Reports: Rick Perry to Run For President, Announce Bid Saturday

Texas Republican Rick Perry, the nation's longest-serving governor, is running for President and will announce his bid in the coming days, according to reports.

In a crushing blow to Stephen Colbert-backed Rick Parry, Perry's people are putting out the word that he will declare his candidacy in a speech on Saturday.

Saturday is the day of the Iowa straw poll, featuring GOP candidates such as Michele Bachmann and Mitt Romney. Perry will speak from South Carolina.

CNN, citing an unnamed Republican familiar with Perry's plans, noted that "previous reports had indicated that Perry would use a speech at the conservative RedState Gathering in Charleston to make his intentions clear."

That language is somewhat vague, but the Republican source went on to add that Rick Perry, 61, "will be in the Republican presidential race on Saturday."

President Barack Obama is also running for re-election.

Perry will bemaking weekend appearances in New Hampshire and Iowa, the two states with the opening contests in the race for the GOP nomination.

Fox is also reporting Perry's imminent announcement, citing sources as saying "this is it" and Perry will make "a definitive announcement Saturday."

The Texan will attempt to unite the Republicans' fiscally and socially conservative wings and tout his job-creation record in the Lone Star State.